NOW HIRING: Family Law Attorneys & Paralegals - Panama City Beach, Pensacola & Fort Walton Beach Offices
Skip to Content
(800) 822-5170
The Virga Law Firm, P.A. The Virga Law Firm, P.A.
Top
Paternity Cases

Paternity Cases in Panama City Beach

Protect Your Rights—Call The Virga Law Firm, P.A. at (800) 822-5170

When a married couple makes the choice to have a child, each spouse is automatically legally required to take care of that child. Yet for couples who are not married but share a child, determining who owes what to whom can be difficult. Because there is no legal assumption of fatherhood amongst unmarried couples, men are not required to provide child support. Conversely, men are also not allowed to seek visitation, custody, or other joint parental arrangements if it has not been legally established that they are the biological father.

At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., our Panama City Beach paternity attorneys provide legal assistance to both mothers and fathers. With over 100 years of combined experience in family law matters, our skilled legal team is here to help settle disputes between parents and protect the well-being of children.

Click here to schedule a case review with a seasoned attorney today.

Determining Paternity for Mothers: Am I Entitled to Child Support?

For mothers looking to establish paternity to appeal for child support, first you will need to file a petition in family law court. This petition with ask that the judge legally recognize the man you believe to be the father of your child as said child’s parent. Next, the man in question will be given 20 days to respond to the petition, at which point, if he has still not answered notice, your reliable family attorney will file a second petition with the court. This will ensure that your appeal is settled at a final hearing.

If the alleged father should choose to challenge your petition, your lawyer will then request a DNA test to be administered. This test will definitively establish whether the man in question is indeed the father of your child. After DNA testing has produced irrefutable evidence of parenthood, you may then begin collecting child support payments from the father, thus protecting your child’s future.

Determining Paternity for Fathers: Seeking Child Custody & Visitation

No person, man or woman, should be denied the chance to participate in their child’s life. Filing a paternity action as a father acknowledges this, and establishes a request to take an active part in a child’s upbringing. While you will not be able to obtain custody or visitation until it can be proven that you are the biological father of the child in question, a practiced family lawyer will do everything in their power to expedite this process. An attorney will also be able to assist you in appealing for other shared responsibilities, such as a choice in the child’s education, religious upbringing, medical treatment, and where the child should live. While we know it is difficult to be kept away from your child, with the assistance of an experienced fathers’ rights attorney you may soon be able to secure the quality parenting time you have missed out on.

Do What’s Best for Your Child, Contact The Virga Law Firm, P.A.

Every child deserves to have parents who will fight to secure what is necessary for their health and happiness. Whether you are a mother seeking necessary support for your child’s future or a father who wants to establish joint custody, our Panama City Beach paternity lawyers are here for you. We know that family law matters can often be emotional and difficult, which is why we offer compassionate and tireless legal support focused on helping provide a wonderful life for your child.

For representation or to request more information, just call (800) 822-5170.

Our Core Values

  • The Client Comes First and All Else Will Follow
    We take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
  • Authenticity and Transparency
    We believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
  • Relentless Pursuit of the Win
    We achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
  • Growth Mindset
    We continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
  • Ownership
    We take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
  • Results Driven
    We focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
  • Respect and Celebration for One Another
    We support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
  • Unquestionable Integrity
    We stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
  • We are in it Together
    We are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
  • Reputation
    Reputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
  • Associate Attorney, In Person, Panama City Beach Office

    Job Title: Family Law Associate Attorney Position

    The Virga Law Firm - Panama City Beach, FL

    Are You Ready for More Than Just a Career?

    We're not looking for just any lawyer – we're searching for an attorney committed to compassionate and excellent representation. If you're ready to make the practice of law both meaningful and rewarding, this opportunity could be what you've been waiting for. Join a firm where you're appreciated and part of a team dedicated to excellence.

    Who We Are

    The Virga Law Firm is a dynamic, high-growth family law firm dedicated to providing excellent legal representation and superb client care. Founded by Gerard Virga, who brings over twenty years of legal experience to the practice, our firm has established itself as a leader in family law throughout Florida. Our attorneys hold prestigious positions on various committees for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, demonstrating our commitment to shaping and advancing family law practice in our state.

    Our core belief is "Caring is Contagious." We understand that nothing is more important than family – it's the bedrock of our civilization and closest to people's hearts. When clients entrust us with their family law issues, we recognize it as the highest honor and responsibility.

    Each family is unique and requires specialized attention during the most emotionally trying times in their lives. Our mission is to protect our clients and their families, providing them with a strong new start to their lives. We achieve this by helping one family at a time through our multiple office locations throughout Florida.

    Who You Are

    The ideal candidate:

    • Is obsessed with achieving results for clients
    • Has a passion for family law
    • Excels at identifying crucial case details
    • Loves litigation and is comfortable in the courtroom
    • Takes pride in developing litigation strategies
    • Has strong negotiation skills with a compassionate approach
    • Thrives in fast-paced environments
    • Is committed to helping others and leading by example

    Minimum Qualifications

    • An active member in good standing with the Florida Bar
    • Demonstrated experience in family law
    • Proven history of passionate representation and client service
    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Clio knowledge is a plus)
    • Advanced knowledge in litigation and client relations
    • Mastery of Zoom video conferencing for court presentations
    • Ability to work independently and produce superior work product

    Key Responsibilities

    • Provide comprehensive legal advice and analysis to clients
    • Manage complex high-asset divorce cases
    • Handle parental responsibility and timesharing cases
    • Navigate cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues
    • Represent clients in court proceedings and mediations
    • Draft legal pleadings, motions, and orders
    • Lead team members including Paralegals and professional staff
    • Maintain a fast-paced workload with attention to detail

    Benefits and Perks

    • Competitive compensation package based on experience
    • Dental and vision insurance options with family coverage
    • Progressive Paid Time Off:
      • One week per six months
      • Up to 80 additional hours accruing each pay period
      • Paid holidays and one flex holiday
    • Parental and bereavement leave
    • Paid continuing legal education, bar dues, and certification dues
    • Professional development opportunities
    • Supportive team environment

    Why Choose The Virga Law Firm

    • Unified company culture dedicated to success
    • Highly trained support staff including Paralegals and Discovery Specialists
    • Diverse caseload and full pipeline from day one
    • An environment that encourages innovation and creative problem-solving
    • Commitment to personal and professional growth
    • No-drama, no-judgment work environment
    • Strong focus on team collaboration

    Application Process

    Interested candidates should submit:

    • Current resume
    • Writing sample
    • Two letters of recommendation
    • Cover letter

    How to Apply

    1. Call our career hotline at 850-565-3426
    2. Submit required documents

    Additional Information

    The Virga Law Firm is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace—A background check is required for final candidates. 

Meet Your Attorneys

Compassionate Counsel, Relentless Representation.

    Take the Next Step

    Request a Consultation with The Virga law Firm Today!
    • Please enter your first name.
    • Please enter your last name.
    • Please enter your phone number.
      This isn't a valid phone number.
    • Please enter your email address.
      This isn't a valid email address.
    • Please make a selection.
    • Please enter a message.
    • By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from The Virga Law Firm, P.A. at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy
    • "Fast and supportive service."
      The Virga Law Firm, P.A. was a blessing during my divorce. Always available for questions, they made the process fast and fair. No need to fight—they handled it all. I'd recommend them in a heartbeat.
      - Visi, A Divorce Client
    • "He listened carefully."
      He answered in a way that helped me understand the law better.
      - A Divorce Client
    • "Eager to help and fight for clients."
      I will definitely be recommending to anyone I know that needs a child custody or divorce attorney!
      - A Divorce Client
    • "Gerard has been monumental to my case."
      Gerard has been monumental to my case. I recognized I needed an attorney who was committed to a positive outcome for my children and I. Gerard made himself available to answer all of my questions and concerns. I felt very comfortable working with the Virga Law Firm.
      - A Divorce Client